Multi-Resolution Foveated Endoscope/Laparoscope

摘要

A multi-resolution foveated laparoscope (MRFL) addresses a number of the clinical limitations described in the background section. The MRFL technology can (1) simultaneously obtain both wide-angle- and high-magnification images of a surgical area in real-time in a single, fully integrated scope, (2) yield ultra-high spatial resolution which is over 3 times better than a standard laparoscope (SL) at a close-up working distance, (3) automatically scan and engage the high-magnification imaging probe to any sub-region of the surgical field through region-of-interest (ROI) tracking capabilities, (4) vary the optical magnification of the high-resolution imaging probe without the need of physically advancing or withdrawing the scope, (5) maintain a low-length profile, optimized for operating at a long working distance (WD), providing both superb spatial awareness and high-magnification views simultaneously. It allows the scope to be secured to the camera port with reduced conflicts with other surgical instruments in single port access procedures (SPA).

主权项

1. An endoscope comprising:
an inserting tube having a viewing end and a distal end, said distal end suitable to be inserted into a human body to a location next to a region in the human body to be viewed; a first optical system in said inserting tube for transmitting light originating from said region from said distal end towards said viewing end; a second optical system at or near the viewing end that splits the light transmitted by the first optical system along two different first and second optical paths; a first imaging probe in the first optical path for imaging said region at a first field of view and at a first magnification; and a second imaging probe in the second optical path for imaging a subregion in said region at a second field of view that is smaller than the first field of view and at a second magnification that is higher than the first magnification.